Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) is a broad-based, liberal arts and sciences major that focuses on developing exemplary skills in written and oral communication, textual analysis, critical thinking, research methods, and the ability to bring a wide range of resources to bear in approaching complex problems. Because it combines knowledge systems across the meta-disciplines of the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences, an IDS major is great preparation for both the workplace and for entry into graduate or professional schools. IDS is part of a national network of Programs for Accelerated College Education (PACE) that are designed for working, adult students who want to earn a bachelor’s degree in a reasonable period of time while they maintain a full-time job. While all admitted students are welcome, IDS/PACE students are primarily transfers who enter CSUDH with 60 units and junior-class standing.

Features

IDS/PACE offers major concentrations in four areas of study: American Studies, Comparative Cultures, Environmental Studies, and Global Studies. As a PACE program, IDS courses are scheduled at times that function well for working people, including week nights and weekends, as well as in hybrid and online formats. For students whose schedules require that they attend classes only on the weekends, IDS offers a full Weekend College format.

Academic Advising

Interdisciplinary Studies provides each student with a faculty advisor, a person who will assist the student in choosing classes, in defining a direction for the program of studies, and in coping with problems associated with both traditional and nontraditional areas of university life. The faculty advisor will expect to meet with each of his or her students at least once each semester to discuss progress-to-date and to plan the next semester's course of study. Students are encouraged to see their mentors more often during the school year as problems, concerns and new ideas arise.

Preparation

While an associate of arts degree before entering IDS/PACE is not necessary, we advise you to complete most of your lower division General Education requirements before transferring. Applicants will qualify for admission to IDS/PACE if they have completed 60 transferable semester units, have a grade point average of "C" (2.0) or better and have completed the General Education Basic Skills courses (The "Golden Four:" Speech, Composition, Critical Thinking, and a transferable math) with grades of "C" or better. The maximum number of transferable units from a community college is 70 semester units. Always check the University Catalog for current transfer requirements.
IDS/PACE is open to all students who are admitted to the University. Working students who find that the regular programs of the campus do not meet their specific needs should contact the IDS/PACE Office for an appointment with a faculty advisor.

Career Possibilities and Graduate School

With its focus on critical thinking and writing and comprehensive course offerings, IDS/PACE graduates have the skills and knowledge to promote in workplace and successfully pursue graduate school. Our graduates have gone on to attend graduate school in Social Work, Public Health, English, Psychology, Public Administration, Business, Museum Studies, and Law.

Graduation With Honors

An undergraduate student may be a candidate for graduation with Honors in Interdisciplinary Studies provided he or she meets the following criteria:

A minimum of 36 units in residence at CSU Dominguez Hills;

A minimum grade point average of at least 3.5 in all courses used to satisfy the upper division requirements in the major;

Recommendation by the faculty in the department or program in which the honors are to be awarded.